blocker Archives

BetaBeacon

June 28, 2025

Lilbits: Microsoft is replacing the Blue Screen of Death with a Black one, extensions are coming to Chrome for Android (kind of), and an NES emulator that lets you play classic games in 3D

Most Windows computers have become less crash-prone over the years, but Microsoft still displays a "Blue Screen of Death" when crashes occur. Microsoft is planning to update the crash screen by changing the background from blue to black and providing more useful information to help users understand why their PC stopped working.

TrendTechie

June 27, 2025

5 Best VPNs for uTorrent in 2025: Fast & Secure Downloads

ExpressVPN is recommended as the best VPN for torrenting with uTorrent in 2025, offering support for P2P sharing in 105 countries, high download speeds, and strong security features. It includes a Lightway protocol, split tunneling, and Advanced Protection, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Other notable VPNs include Private Internet Access, which supports P2P on all servers in 91 countries and offers a SOCKS5 proxy; CyberGhost, with torrent-optimized servers in over 85 countries; NordVPN, known for its advanced security features and support for torrenting in over 110 countries; and Surfshark, which provides automatic IP rotation in 49+ countries. The testing methodology focused on reliable P2P support, strong security measures, fast download speeds, user-friendly apps, and value for money.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2025

Bitdefender Antivirus Review 2025: I Found This Top-Rated Security Software Effective and Efficient

Bitdefender Antivirus has a score of 9.5 out of 10, with the following breakdown: Performance: 9/10, Security: 10/10, Customer Support: 9/10, Usability: 10/10, Value: 9/10, Features: 10/10. It has over 500 million users worldwide and offers real-time protection against malware, a scam detector, a VPN, password manager, ad blocker, digital identity protection, dark web monitoring, and data breach detection. Bitdefender's plans include a free version for single-device use and various Ultimate Security packages for individuals and families, all priced at 0 for the first year. The software is user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process and minimal impact on system resources during operation. It consistently achieves high marks in third-party lab tests for security and offers various customer support options, though the initial steps to reach a representative can be cumbersome.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Best Antivirus Software (2025): ESET Recognized as Top Cybersecurity Solution by Software Experts

ESET is recognized as a leading antivirus provider in 2025, known for its robust security solutions that effectively combat rising cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and zero-day exploits. The company's offerings include heuristic and behavioral detection, ransomware and phishing protection, exploit blocker technology, and low resource usage, ensuring minimal impact on system performance. ESET provides various products for home users, including ESET HOME Security Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, as well as a Small Business Security package for up to 25 devices and scalable solutions for larger organizations. Pricing for home products starts at .99/year, with multi-device and multi-year discounts available. ESET operates in over 200 countries, utilizing a global network for real-time threat intelligence and maintaining a commitment to effective digital security since its establishment in 1992.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Windows 11 24H2: Update blocker due to wallpaper apps solved

Microsoft has addressed compatibility issues with wallpaper customization software in the Windows 11 24H2 update, lifting the update blockade on systems with known incompatibilities. Users experienced challenges such as wallpapers failing to display, disappearing desktop icons, loss of desktop preview functionality, problems with virtual desktops, and error messages from applications. The Safeguard ID for this blockade is 52754008, manageable through Windows Update for Business. Users may need to uninstall or update affected wallpaper apps to install version 24H2. The resolution timing will vary based on application updates. Additionally, Microsoft recently encountered similar issues with Senseshield protection software, leading to a reset of the update blockade for system stability.

Tech Optimizer

April 7, 2025

Scanguard

Scanguard is owned by Total Security LTD and offers a comprehensive security and optimization suite that includes virus protection, system performance improvements, junk file removal, a password vault, and a VPN. Its security features include real-time protection against malware, ransomware, spyware, and adware, facilitated by specialized guards. A free version is available for Windows, but it has limitations regarding update speed. The initial scan on a 512 GB SSD takes under five minutes and covers various checks. The app prompts users to upgrade for certain features, although discounts are available for first-time users. Core features include Malware Guard, Ransomware Guard, Spyware Guard, Aware Guard, and WebShield for real-time protection against malicious sites. Scanguard also offers identity theft protection services and a system optimizer that cleans junk files and manages applications. An Android app is available, but there is no iPhone app, and the Android version must be downloaded from the Scanguard website. Scanguard's pricing includes a free version and a paid plan with a promotional rate for the first year, with payment through PayPal. The paid plan offers real-time protection, cloud-based threat detection, and customer support. Recent evaluations show a detection rate of 96.94% in a VB100 test, with a 0.000% false alarm rate, but it is not currently VB100 certified. The user interface is modern and intuitive, though the installation process may take time due to database updates.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Lilbits: AI-enhanced search for Windows PCs and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Recent advancements in laptop technology have introduced high-performance neural processing units from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, enabling on-device artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft initially planned to launch its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs but delayed it due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is now testing a new AI-enhanced search function that allows users to search for files, settings, or documents by description. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out Local Semantic Search to Windows Insiders with Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, which allows searching by description in File Explorer, Windows Search, or Settings, and can be disabled for certain folders.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Microsoft removes another roadblock for Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has lifted the security block on the rollout of Windows 11 24H2 for users with Asphalt 8 installed, which was previously implemented due to the game crashing or becoming unresponsive after the update. The update blocker ID for IT administrators is 52796746. Microsoft confirmed that the problem has been resolved and the update block has been removed. It may take up to 48 hours for the update to become available via Windows Update, and restarting the device can expedite this process. Users still facing issues can try a Registry/Group Policy hack to update directly.

Tech Optimizer

March 17, 2025

F-Secure Internet Security

F-Secure Internet Security provides coverage for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms, but its features are more limited compared to competitors like Bitdefender Total Security and Norton 360 Deluxe. The pricing starts at .99 per year for a single license, with options for up to 25 licenses, making it competitive in the market. F-Secure has received a perfect score of 18 points from AV-Test Institute for malware protection, performance impact, and usability. In testing, F-Secure achieved a malware detection rate of 97% and a phishing detection rate of 94%. The software includes features like banking protection, scam protection, and parental controls, though the latter lacks the depth found in some competitors. The installation process is user-friendly across all platforms, but the macOS, Android, and iOS versions have fewer advanced features compared to other security suites.

Tech Optimizer

March 17, 2025

F-Secure Internet Security for Mac

F-Secure Internet Security for Mac provides essential malware protection, including quarantine capabilities and safeguards against future attacks, but lacks features compared to competitors like Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Its pricing structure includes .99 for one license, .99 for three, and .99 for five licenses, with options for up to 25 devices at 4.99 annually. F-Secure requires macOS 12 or later and has been rated excellent by AV-Test Institute, achieving a perfect score of 18 in recent macOS tests. The software offers a quick virus scan and custom scan options but does not include scheduled scanning. It successfully quarantines 82% of Windows malware samples and scores 94% in phishing detection. F-Secure includes parental controls for managing children's online activities and features scam protection similar to its Windows version.